Wales return empty handed

Wales were unable to repeat last year's success at the Gold Coast Sevens when they were knocked out of the Bowl by rising force Spain in the opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Paul John's men won the Plate in Australia last year but a repeat was always going to be difficult when drawn in the same pool as Argentina, France and Portugal. With 15 core teams now competing at the highest level the series is now stronger than ever before.

The fact Wales missed out on making the second day's main draw because of an inferior points difference to France and Argentina who all recorded two wins from three matches on day one proves how tight the competition is.

Wales were also made to work hard on day two in the Bowl quarter final against United States.

The Americans opened the scoring through a converted try to Luke Hume but Wales's leading try scorer in last season's campaign, Richard Smith hit back immediately. Tom Williams, in his debut tournament, put Wales ahead with a touchdown before USA's Brett Thompson put his side in front with Tai Enosa adding the extras.

Wales were staring down the barrel when Maka Unufe crossed the whitewash but second half tries by Will Price, Lee Williams and James Davies eased nerves for Wales to record a 27-19 victory and set up a semi-final clash with Spain.

The score was deadlocked 12-12 at halftime with Lee Williams and Tom Williams crossing for Wales in the first spell. Tom Williams added a second early in the second half after Spain got off to a flier with a try through Pablo Feijoo. When Pablo Martin crossed there was clear daylight between the two teams and Wales could find no way back.

As a result, Wales could only pick up five points from the opening round to find themselves in 11th place overall. It doesn't get any easier for the second round of the HSBC Sevens World Series, the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens on 30 November-1 December where they have been drawn alongside New Zealand, Argentina and Russia.

Actor and Millennium Stadium Tour Guide Gareth Bale has been performing his one-man play about Wales rugby legend Ray Gravell across Wales. He chats to WRU TV before taking his show to the Edinburgh Festival.

Coach Richard Hodges is hoping Wales U20 can put a disappointing campaign behind them when they tackle Japan tomorrow as they look to finish the U20 Championship strongly to secure a good seeding for next year's tournament.

Wales U20 coach Richard Hodges is targeting three wins from three games in the Under 20 Championship after suffering defeat to England on Saturday. However, as WRU TV's Liz Jones discovers, he is concerned about the threat Japan pose tomorrow.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards is looking for physical and mental toughness from the 47-man World Cup training squad which was revealed yesterday and he added he is looking forward to seeing which players are prepared to dig the deepest.

Foster's 7s champions Llandovery have been drawn against fellow Scarlets regional side Carmarthen Quins in Round One of the third WRU Foster's National 7s, which will take place at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday 30 August.